“For too long, that entire area of the continent has been slowly bled to death by corruption, sometimes with the help of the United States. That problem has been dealt with.
“We will soon be exporting a surplus of food from that area and from the US. This means that there will be significant world trade again very soon. It also means that we will be able to recruit desperately needed population for our nation from our territories and from parts of the world that were not as devastated by the flu.
“What I need you to understand is the importance of this moment as a shift in all of human history. Life will never be the same from here on out. We cannot tolerate cold wars that breed state supported terrorism, nor can we allow even small wars to be fought around the planet.
“What will be difficult for some of you to swallow is that we can no longer tolerate Islam anywhere in the world. It’s had its run and we paid with 9-11, a plethora of wars, and now a virus that has eliminated most of humanity. We will not allow the practice of Islam to exist anywhere.” There were heads nodding all over the room.
“I am fully aware that the constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Based on the severity of the attack on humanity by those of the Islamic faith, I have passed an executive order declaring Islam to be a terrorist ideology rather than a religion and practicing Muslims to be enemies of the United States.
“Now for many of you, this may seem extreme. Know that the Middle Eastern nations, Indonesia, and Pakistan essentially no longer exist. Between their own fighting and the retaliation of others, there are not many Muslims left in the world. Most of those who are left are in Africa, which now has less than five percent of its original population alive. We will deal with the Muslims who remain there at a later date. Make no mistake. This is a war against jihad and we will win it definitively."
Most of the new legislators were sitting back, wide eyed at what they were hearing. None of them had expected this.
Jim took mental note of this and chose to confront it. “Most of you look shocked. I want to make something crystal clear. We will not tolerate any nation, religion, or organization that chooses to be a threat to the rest of human kind. Nor will we tolerate any kind of home grown extremists who conspire against their own nation or the recovery.” Some of the audience now looked fearful.
“What you haven’t been told yet is that Vice President Smith was assassinated in a coup attempt. One of my first actions as president was to bring justice to those responsible and to destroy as much of their organization as we could discover. Understand that the situation we are in is not entirely due to external enemies.
“Your job is going to be to give the best representation possible for your constituents and to rebuild a functional congress so that we can move back to a fully constitutional government as quickly as possible.
“As you well know, we don’t now have the ability to follow the Constitution as we understood it this time last year. For example, we don’t have the resources to feed prison inmates, and we can’t and won’t protect a religious group that committed the most massive genocide in the history of mankind. We also have no real legal system in place.
“Once we have a functioning House, Senate, and Supreme Court, then we’ll revisit these items, but until then I will do everything I have to do using all of the authority that I have to maintain the existence and sovereignty of the nation.
“As for the presidency, the next election will be undertaken just over two years from now. When the next president is elected, I fully intend to turn over a nation that is functional, strong, and sustainable.” He paused and looked around the room at each Senator and Representative. “And I will be fully accountable for my decisions and actions, as will we all.
“For now, I will not hesitate to use all of the power at my disposal to meet the goals I’ve stated. I have no intention of being a dictator, however extreme my powers may be in the short term. I know you have questions. I will do my best to answer them now.”
Congressman Nicholas Larson from Wyoming said, "I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we are grateful for what you have done and that we will back you as much as possible in your endeavor, though we would like to see checks and balances fully functional as soon as possible."
Jim answered, "As would I. That's all that I'm asking for now."
Jim and General Whitman spent the next couple of hours answering questions and had won over all of their audience by the end of the session.
IDAHO
JULY 3rd
“I can’t believe we’re being recalled from convoy duty,” Luke said to Jamie and Dave. “We’ve done a lot of good out here.”
“Welcome to government work, kid,” answered Dave.
They were in Twin Falls, Idaho, waiting for pick up at a small municipal airport. Helen and Julie were due in any time now.
“Well, I’m going to be glad for a break,” said Jamie.
Dave laughed, “Who said anything about a break. You two turned yourselves into political assets last week. The footage of you two leading efforts to bring food to Americans everywhere has gone all over the country. There is a picture of the two of you standing in front of your shot up rig that is everywhere on the internet now.”
“And it’s not just you. Expect your entire family to now be front and center in the effort to get the country running now. You’re American royalty whether you like it or not. Very soon now you’re going to miss the anonymity of convoy duty.”
They heard the sounds of a small plane engine and could now see the plane approaching.
Luke said, “Somehow that doesn’t sound like fun.”
“No sane person would think it should be.”
The plane landed and they walked over to where it parked. Helen and Julie both jumped out and everyone hugged.
They loaded their bags into the plane and were soon airborne again.
Dave asked, “Do you two know what’s going on?”
Julie said, “We’ll stop to refuel and then we’re flying to meet Uncle Jim, Dad, and everyone at the village. That’s all I know.”
It was a comfortable flight in the Piper. The plane was originally designed as small corporate passenger plane and was plush, if not roomy.
They used the flight to catch up on the events of the past couple of weeks. Helen teased Jamie and Luke about when they were going to get married and start repopulating the country. The two of them looked sheepish at the ribbing but took it in stride.
By the time Helen landed at the village airstrip in the late afternoon, they were very happy to be out of the small plane. There was a large Chinook transport helicopter on the pad as well.
Rob, Denise, and Jim met them as they exited the plane. There were hugs all around and Jim grabbed on to Luke and Jamie and said, “You two did an amazing job. Now hold on to your hats because things are going to get interesting!”
They all stashed their things in their RV’s. Luke and Jamie put their bags in the Airstream. It felt like years ago that they had refurbished it.
When they met in the clubhouse, they were surprised to see all of the original crew there, along with Deepak, Zach, Jake and the rest of the NAU girls. Rita had made a pasta dinner that Luke thought was the best he had ever eaten. Even the bread was freshly made.
After dinner, they toasted to the village and to the health of the nation.
Jim stood in front of the group, “I’m delighted to see all of you here. To those of you who were out on missions, thank you for coming in on short notice. For the group that stayed here, thank you for keeping the village functioning for us, and for the outstanding job you’ve done at producing food here. Jake, Deepak, and Zach, I couldn’t be more pleased at what you’ve done to get Flagstaff and the surrounding area up and running. I’ve always loved this area and it’s a pleasure to see it coming around so quickly.” There were cheers and whistles around the room.
“As you know, I’ve found myself in a position that I never expected or wanted.” This ti
me there was cheers and laughter. “And you know the saying, shit rolls downhill.”
“Oh, no,” said Will.
“As usual, Will has it right on the money. Things are moving at light speed and I’m left in the position where I need people I know and can trust. I’m going to be asking a number of you to be my eyes, ears, and hands all around the country. I'll be sending you around to accomplish unofficial tasks for the Executive Branch and to be my eyes and ears across the entire nation. Some of these jobs will be tedious and others may be dangerous but I can assure you that all are crucial.
"So, for starters, who speaks decent Spanish?" Julie and Helen both raised their hands. "Good. I need you recording radio announcements and programs that we can release in Latin America."
Jim launched into the details of everything else he needed. By the end of it, the entire group was stunned. Luke thought, How the hell can we do all of that?
"I know it sounds like moving a mountain, but this is something that we can and must do," said Jim. "The alternative ends with the permanent collapse of the United States."
"I know each of you well. I know what you are capable of doing, and I'm not going to accept anything less than that. We need you to get the country back on its feet and no one else can do it right now. I need you to help me keep the country alive. Are you with me?"
The room exploded in cheers and applause. "Damn straight!" yelled Will.
I think we're going to make it, thought Luke.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
JULY 20th
Jim looked out the window of the Marine Super Stallion heavy lift helicopter to see what was left of Los Angeles. Fires had ravaged the city and most of the roads were gridlocked with cars that had been trying to flee when the EMP had hit.
He was now in control of most of the country. California was the most difficult problem between local gangs and groups of invaders that had arrived by ship from all over the world to loot and destroy. He had ordered a focus on farm land and ports first, then on evacuating people from problem cities while troops sorted out the undesirables.
People who were evacuated testified to the crimes that had been committed in the cities by the various gangs and criminal elements. It had been horrific experience for them.
The military were separating out those with gang prison tattoos and giving them the choice of working government farms for a fair wage or being cut loose from all aid. Most chose not to work on the farms and were quietly shot then disposed of discretely.
It had taken a couple of weeks to get the cities emptied of all of the people who would willingly leave. Starting with San Diego, they were retaking the cities from the criminals. The Navy and Marines swept though San Diego, quickly tracking and eliminating anyone who would not surrender.
Soldiers surrounded Los Angeles and were steadily closing in toward the center of the city. Predator drones were used for reconnaissance and to fire Hellfire missiles at remaining hostile concentrations. Jim didn’t want to think about the rebuilding cost, but there was no point in even starting until these parasites were eliminated.
Marine One landed at the Port of Long Beach, where two Navy transport ships were unloading equipment. Admiral Chin was waiting for him as he landed, and saluted as Jim walked up. He returned the salute and shook the Admiral’s hand.
Jim said, “Good work, Admiral. I’ll sleep a lot better at night once we get this port up and running again.”
“We’re on track to have it running on a small scale immediately. We’ll have the cargo cranes up and running soon, though we won’t be at full capacity for a few months. I’m not expecting much traffic before then anyway.”
“Good enough. I want to make sure we can accommodate the transport ships from Australia next week.”
“That won’t be a problem, sir.”
The Admiral led Jim onto the nearest Navy ship and into a briefing room. On the monitor was a cargo ship about a hundred miles from the California coast.
“This is the ship we told you about. It sailed out of Spain and has not been answering hails. People on the ship have fired at the planes we sent out to make contact. We believe that it is more pirates looking to loot California.”
Jim asked, “What’s the environmental cost of sinking it?"
"The ships diesel fuel would make a mess, but nothing that didn’t happen often, even before the virus.”
“What are the options?”
“Leave it alone, let it land, and deal with them on the ground. Disable the ship and leave it adrift. Capture it. Sink it with the attack sub following it or with aircraft.”
“They have already been warned off adequately?”
“I believe so, sir.”
“Sink it now and be done with it. No survivors.”
The Admiral picked phone and said, “Send the following order: USS Key West: Your orders are to attack and destroy your target as soon as possible. No survivors.” He turned back to Jim, “The Key West will engage it shortly.”
“Good. Now give me a run down on how the Navy is doing and what you need.”
The next several hours were very productive.
100 MILES OFF THE COAST OF CALIFORNIA
The stolen Japanese cargo ship was filled to the rafters with Muslim refugees fleeing the slaughter in Europe. They were well armed with light weapons and headed for the United States where they would carve out a new land for Islam and attack the infidel at home. Abdul Haq smoked one of his last cigarettes and daydreamed of how good it would feel to kill Americans. His father had died fighting them in Iraq, and now it was his turn to kill those pigs.
Standing on the deck looking over the port side, he was the first to see the three torpedoes approaching the ship. He screamed and ran toward the center of the ship. He managed to avoid dying in the first few seconds.
He ran for the nearby lifeboat. Thirteen of them entered before he cut the boat loose and it crashed into the ocean, leaving hundreds to die on deck.
They watched through the windows as the ship broke apart and quickly sank. He thought about how he would avenge his brothers and sisters. One of the men yelled. He looked out the other side window as the Submarine rose above the surface and a group of sailors boarded a small inflatable craft. He looked around quickly. None of his people had weapons with them.
He hated the thought of being captured by the Americans, but at least he would live to fight another day. Americans were always stupid enough to take prisoners and someday they would have to let him go, he thought. He was furious when the SEALs stared using his craft for target practice. It soon began taking on water. It wasn't right!
Abdul Haq and the others ran to get to the deck of the escape craft where they were picked off, one by one, by the laughing Americans. The other lifeboat soon suffered the same fate. Abdul managed to stay afloat for almost an hour, despite the gunshot wound in his abdomen.
As ordered, there were no survivors.
FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA
JULY 21st
Rob’s group met back at the Village Pub. Julie, Helen, Matt, Luke, Jamie, and Ricky were now included in the group, and all were anxious to hear what the mission would be.
“We’ve found one of the last holdouts on our list and we are going to take him out,” Rob said to the group. “Ralph Simmons is one of the few people in on the conspiracy to kill the V.P. who is still alive. He is surrounded by security, servants, and family. He bought, borrowed, and stole a number of art and historical treasures before everything went to hell and has them squirreled away at his compound near Portland. We also know he bought up a very large fortune worth of gold and silver coins and bars.
“We believe that he may still have military connections so Jim asked me to handle this in house. Our goal is to kill him and his immediate family while preserving the property that he may have taken. Everyone else on the property is at your discretion, but anyone we eliminate will be considered an enemy combatant regardless of the circumstances.
“Whatever we find t
hat is not a historical treasure is ours to keep.”
Stewart said, “Did I hear that correctly?”
“Yes, you did. Whatever precious metals, currency, or whatever else we find of value, we split between us.”
Will asked, “What about Jim?”
“He signed off on it with the provision that art and historical items are to be carefully loaded into trucks and shipped to a safe place for return to the US Government.
Will yelled, “Oh, yeah! Payday! Your brother in law is alright in my book!”
“Here’s the reconnaissance photos of the compound,” said Rob as he placed photos on the table in front of them, “and here are pictures of our targets.”
They reviewed the pictures and soon a plan was coming together.
Ann looked over the shots. “You know there is going to be heavy electronic surveillance. He will supplement the small staff with lots of heavy weapons and technology. He will have stashed electronics just like we did or use only hardened systems. I’d put money on the former. Can we get a short range EMP bomb?”
Rob said, “It’s possible.”
Ann thought for a moment. “I’m thinking we take down the electronics then go in with attack choppers to hit the vehicles and guard positions.”
Frank asked, “What if we take out the principle first with a sniper round or Hellfire missile? The rest are going to be looking to abandon ship after that because their cushy lives just went away. We let them into vehicles then take out the vehicles one by one.”
Manny looked thoughtful. “You know pecker head has escape plan. Probably underground vault and tunnel exit somewhere that looks unlikely. Right there,” he said, pointing to a small ravine a good 80 meters behind the house. “There will be quick access to transportation. There.” He pointed out a camouflaged building that the others had missed and a flat area in front of it. There will be helicopter there. Here’s where they hid the tailings from the dig. We borrow tank and knock on the front door. The rats run out the back door. Poof! We bag them."
The Forgiven The Fallen The Forsaken Page 18